Conor McGregor accepts 18-month period of ineligibility for violating UFC Anti-Doping Policy

UFC superstar Conor McGregor accepted an 18-month period of ineligibility for violating the promotions anti-doping policy, per ESPN. It reportedly began in September of 2024.

“Breaking: Conor McGregor has accepted an 18-month period of ineligibility for a violation of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP), Combat Sports Anti-Doping announced on Tuesday,” ESPN MMA wrote on Twitter/X. “McGregor missed three attempted biological sample collections within a 12-month period in 2024, which constitutes a violation of the UFC ADP. His period of ineligibility began on September 20, 2024 and will conclude on March 20, 2026.”

Controversy has followed McGregor throughout his mixed martial arts career, but particularly over the last few years since he last fought for the UFC. He allegedly was caught on camera in June punching a man twice inside a Spain nightclub.

McGregor, a former two-weight champion in the UFC, hasn’t fought since July 2021, a TKO via injury loss to Dustin Poirier in their third fight. He was originally slated to fight Michael Chandler in his return last summer.

After he pulled out due to injury, McGregor and Chandler were anticipated to finally fight by December 2024. However, it never materialized and Chandler ended up losing two fights to Charles Oliviera and Paddy Pimblett in the time since.

Since McGregor’s ineligibility began in September of last year, it makes sense as to why he did not fight Chandler last Winter. McGregor has also expressed interest in the UFC’s White House Card on June 14th, 2026.

On Monday, McGregor announced he would take a hiatus from social media. This could line up with the ineligibility period, should he actually come back to fight. McGregor is 22-6 in his MMA career but has lost three of his last four fights dating back to October 6, 2018.

If McGregor, post suspension, actually does fight Chandler, as the latter still wants, it could actually be at the White House. Years in the making, Chandler said he would want to make it happen despite his losing skid and nearing the end of his career.

“We have some history,” Chandler said. “I’m the opponent that he wants. He’s the opponent that I want. And it would be one heck of an event if it happened. I’ve got plenty left in the tank and obviously there are some big fights coming up next year that I’d love to participate in.”